W08 – Require a password on local accounts

The "password not required" flag is common on accounts created during Windows setup; the account may still have a password. Clearing the flag makes Windows enforce one.

1. Open PowerShell as administrator and list accounts:

   net user

   SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER – no image yet: img/guides/password-01.png
   net user list of accounts
2. Make sure the account has a password (Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options), then run, replacing <name>:

   net user <name> /passwordreq:yes

   SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER – no image yet: img/guides/password-02.png
   net user name /passwordreq:yes completed successfully
3. Check:

   net user <name>

   The line Password required should read Yes.
   SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER – no image yet: img/guides/password-03.png
   net user output with Password required Yes

Describes settings detected at the time of the check. Not an audit, not a certification, not legal advice. Back to all fix guides.